JAW PAIN
Ask the Following Questions:
- Are there abnormalities on examination of the teeth or gums? A thorough examination of the teeth and gums may disclose dental caries, gingivitis, oral tumors, or alveolar abscess.
- Is the pain intermittent? Intermittent pain should suggest a trigeminal neuralgia or glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
- Is there a rash? The presence of a rash would suggest herpes zoster. Be sure to examine the eardrum for Ramsay Hunt's syndrome.
DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP
Routine diagnostic studies include a CBC, sedimentation rate, chemistry panel, arthritis panel, and an x-ray of the teeth and jaw. X-ray of the sinuses may be helpful. At this point referral to a dentist or oral surgeon should be made if there is still diagnostic difficulty. He may order an MRI of the temporomandibular joint, which is the procedure of choice in evaluating this joint. If all tests are negative or equivocal, perhaps a psychiatric referral is in order.
Book Source Details
- Book Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs
- Author(s): R. Douglas Collins
- Year of Publication: 2003
- Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Other Book Chapters Related to Jaw symptoms
Read excerpts from these other book chapters related to Jaw symptoms:
Medical Books Excerpts
- JAW PAIN
- "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
- [ read ]
- Jaw pain
- "Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Jaw pain
- "Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Jaw pain
- "Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Jaw pain
- "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Jaw pain
- "Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms" (2007)
- [ read ]
Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.
More About Causes of Jaw symptoms
» Next page: JAW SWELLING (Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)
Rate This Website
What do you think about the features of this website?
Take our user survey and have your say:
Website User Survey
Medical Tools & Articles:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
- Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
